The Barlow Planetarium offers public programming. Family shows are geared for the young and young-at-heart. Feature shows are geared for the older student or adult that already has an established interest in astronomy. Wisconsin Skies is for the visitor that wants to get the most current and in-depth astronomy information possible. Each show ends with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

Star Show Times

September 21-28

• Sundays - Wednesdays | CLOSED
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets

October 3-31

• Sundays - Wednesdays | CLOSED
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. | MoonWitch/Fright Light
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | MoonWitch/Fright Light
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets

Barlow Family Astronomy Night

Saturday, October 5, 6:00–8:30 p.m. Get the full Barlow Planetarium experience—planetarium shows and telescopes—in a single astronomy-filled evening.

• 6 p.m. | MoonWitch/Fright Light
• 7–8:30 p.m. | Telescope Viewing featuring the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn
• 7:15 p.m. |  The Planets

Star Show Admission 

• Barlow Members: FREE
• Adults (age 18+): $9
• Students (age 13-17): $8
• College students (with ID): $8
• Children (age 3-12): $7
• Seniors (age 60+): $7
• Multi-show discounts are available
• Group discounts are available
• Free (1 show per day) for eligible Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) passport members! 

ASTC Pass Program Restrictions 

• Based on residence: To receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90 miles away from the center/museum you wish to visit. Admissions staff reserve the right to request proof of residence for benefits to apply. Science centers and museums requesting proof of residence are marked by (Check IDs).
• Based on your science center’s or museum’s location: Science centers/museums located within 90 miles of each other
• are excluded from the Travel Passport Program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

November 1-27

• Sundays – Tuesdays | CLOSED
• Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. | Lifestyles of the Stars
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. |  Laser Spirit
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets
• Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. | Lifestyles of the Stars
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | Laser Spirit
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets

 Barlow Family Astronomy Night 

Saturday, November 9, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Get the full Barlow Planetarium experience—planetarium shows and telescopes—in a single astronomy-filled evening. 

• 6 p.m. | Lifestyles of the Stars
• 7–8:30 p.m. | Telescope Viewing featuring the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn
• 7:15 p.m. |  The Planets 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

November 29 – January 4 

• Sundays – Tuesdays | CLOSED
• Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. | Perseus & Andromeda
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. |  Laser Holidays
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | ‘Tis the Season
• Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. | Perseus & Andromeda
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | Laser Holidays
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | ‘Tis the Season 

Barlow Family Astronomy Night 

Saturday, December 7 & Saturday, January 4, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Get the full Barlow Planetarium experience—planetarium shows and telescopes—in a single astronomy-filled evening. 

• 6 p.m. | Perseus & Andromeda
• 7–8:30 p.m. | Telescope Viewing featuring the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn
• 7:15 p.m. | ‘Tis the Season

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

January 8 – February 1

• Sundays – Tuesdays | CLOSED
• Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. | Orion
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. |  Laser Beatles
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | More Than Meets the Eye
• Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. | Orion
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | Laser Beatles
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | More Than Meets the Eye 

Barlow Family Astronomy Night 

Saturday, February 1, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Get the full Barlow Planetarium experience—planetarium shows and telescopes—in a single astronomy-filled evening. 

• 6 p.m. | Orion
• 7–8:30 p.m. | Telescope Viewing featuring the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn
• 7:15 p.m. | More Than Meets the Eye

 

FEATURE STAR SHOWS (Grade 5 & Above) 

For visitors who have an established interest in astronomy and space. . .

 

 The Planets 

Through November 23

Buy The Planets Tickets

 Take a tour of our own planetary neighborhood that includes the latest and most up-to-date information about the Solar System.  Narrated by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Janeway of Star Trek:  Voyager, The Planets explores the formation of the solar system, visits each of Earth’s sister planets to uncover the varied worlds that circle the Sun.  Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

 ‘Tis the Season

 Opens November 29

Buy ‘Tis the Season Tickets

 Discover the astronomical significance of this most joyous time of the year that concludes with possible explanation for the most famous star in Christianity – the Star of Bethlehem. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

More Than Meets the Eye

 Opens January 10

Buy More Than Meets the Eye Tickets

 Discover the astronomical significance of this most joyous time of the year that concludes with possible explanation for the most famous star in Christianity – the Star of Bethlehem. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

FAMILY STAR SHOWS (Grade 4 & Below) 

A light, fun and educational astronomy experience for the visitors that are young and young-at-heart . . .

 Larry Cat in Space

 Through September 28

Buy Larry Cat in Space Tickets

 Larry Cat in Space is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon to be reunited with his astronaut owner.  This fun and educating program is a hit with both children, parents and anyone who wants to learn a more about the Moon.  Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

MoonWitch/Fright Light Hybrid

 Opens October 3

Buy MoonWitch/Fright Light Tickets

 A combination of planetarium show and family laser show all in one. Part I: On Halloween, while trick-or-treating with her little brother Billy, Diana notices that no matter where she goes the Moon seems to follow. After returning home, her parents explain the appearance and motion the Moon discover how, in the past, the Moon has been seen as frightening and use their imaginations to find a man, a rabbit, a frog, and even a moon witch on the Moon. After learning that the Moon is only a ball in space, Diana shares her knowledge with her teacher and classmates as they experiment on why the Moon has phases. Part II: A short a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin. Finally, the show concludes with family friendly selections of the popular Halloween laser show Fright Light.

 

Lifestyles of the Stars

 Opens November 2

Buy Lifestyles of the Stars Tickets

 Grab your tour map and climb aboard our AstroTours bus driven by Tachyon – a slightly wacky tour guide – who really knows his stellar evolution! Visit nebulae to see star formation. See stars of all different colors – red dwarf, blue/white giant, red supergiant, yellow – and discover what the colors mean. End your tour with a visit to an average looking yellow star that had unnatural radio signals coming from its third planet – could it be intelligent life? Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

Perseus & Andromeda

 Opens November 29

Buy Perseus & Andromeda Tickets

Although this epic tale, which has been handed down for generations by talented storytellers, has been popularized in film numerous times – “Clash of the Titans” (twice) and “Percy Jackson” – the Barlow adds a new twist by telling the story under a perfect starry sky using lasers. Watch as laser light brings each of the characters of the mythological story to life. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

Orion

 Opens January 8

Buy Orion Tickets

Although this epic tale, which has been handed down for generations by talented storytellers, has been popularized in film numerous times – “Clash of the Titans” (twice) and “Percy Jackson” – the Barlow adds a new twist by telling the story under a perfect starry sky using lasers. Watch as laser light brings each of the characters of the mythological story to life. Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

 

FAMILY LASER SHOWS (Grade 4 & Below)

 

A light, fun and educational laser show experience with a touch of astronomy for the visitors that are young and young-at-heart . . .

 

Laser Spirit

Opens November 2

Buy Laser Spirit Tickets

 A laser program that celebrates the accomplishments and dreams of humanity. Utilizing a wonderful mix of pop, classic rock, oldies, adult contemporary and patriotic music, Laser Spirit is a motivating laser show that will make you proud to be a visionary, idealist, achiever, and American. FEATURING: Summon the Heroes by John Williams / Beautiful Day by U2 / Music by Madonna / Beatles Medley by The Beatles / Reach by Gloria Estefan / Santorini by Yanni / Birds Fly by Icicle Works / Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas / Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland / America the Beautiful & God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

 

Laser Holidays

 Opens November 29

Buy Laser Holidays Matinee Tickets

 A matinee version of our popular evening program.  An exciting and different way to be festive during the Holiday season! Laser Holidays is a fun experience for everyone and gives new meaning to the term “holiday lights” – holiday LASER lights! FEATURING: Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson / Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky / Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives / Winter Wonderland by the Eurythmics / Deck the Halls by the Philharmonic Orchestra / Jingle Bell Rock by Randy Travis / White Christmas by Bing Crosby / Christmastime by the Smashing Pumpkins / Oiche Chiun/Silent Night by Enya / Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Ronnie Spector/Darlene Love / Frosty the Snowman by the Cocteau Twins / Carol of the Bells by David Foster / The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole / All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey / We Wish You A Merry Christmas by James Galway.

 

 

Laser Beatles

Opens January 8

Buy Laser Beatles Matinee Tickets

 The greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band of all time! Laser Beatles will take you back to a different time in history to re-experience and remember the evolution of this musical phenomenon. The “Fab Four’s” best spanning 6 years becomes the background for dazzling laser-art. All ages and backgrounds will appreciate this fantasy tribute of music and light to The Beatles and how they helped define a generation. Featuring: Magical Mystery Tour / I Wanna Hold Your Hand / Twist & Shout / A Hard Day’s Night / Nowhere Man / Help! / Yesterday / Octopus’ Garden / Revolution / Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band / A Day In The Life.